Caregiving in the US, Video Chat Fatigue, Reentry Crash, Increase Your Clarity

TIPS for Caregivers for People with Dementia

[TCV Update 5/10/2023: URL updated to general page. Earlier COVID-era resources no longer available.] The Alzheimer’s Association offers caregivers tips for caring for people with dementia including preventing illness, person-centered care, connecting with family and friends, walking and unsafe wandering, and assisting with eating. The Association also provides a downloadable resource: Emergency preparedness guidelines for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers in long-term or community-based care settings.

Caregiving in the United States 2020

The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) and AARP present Caregiving in the U.S. This is the most recent update to their research series, Caregiving in the U.S., published about every five years. “The 2020 update reveals an increase in the number of family caregivers in the United States… from 2015 to 2020. Family caregivers now encompass more than one in five Americans. The study also reveals that family caregivers are in worse health compared to five years ago.”

VIDEO CHATS – Fatigue? Yes. Why?

Despite being able to see and hear during video communications, this mode of communication is far more energy draining than face-to-face interactions. Why? For one, we’re constantly trying to fill in informational blind spots during a two-dimensional conversation. In-person interactions allow us to observe more holistically and to have more of a total-person experience while using more of our senses.

“After a period of prolonged stress, it’s normal to feel too drained to do anything.”
As we move beyond our stay-at-home lives due to the COVID-19 virus, we’re advised to continue practicing safe-distancing. This change in our lives has been exhausting. As we take steps and venture forth – hikes, formerly “nonessential” shopping, or visiting the beach (here in Los Angeles County we must keep moving), why do we feel a bit off-balance? It will take time to loosen our sore and stiff social muscles. Health and psychology writer, Ashley Abramson, offers four tips.

This 10-minute routine will increase your clarity and creativity.

“Your thoughts are the blueprint of the life you are building one day at a time. When you learn to channel your thinking — both consciously and subconsciously — you create the conditions that make the achievement of your goals inevitable.” Two steps – one before you sleep and then after you wake up.